Gus Van Sant

Gus Van Sant graduated from Rhode Island School of Design in 1970. From an early age, he was passionate about painting and Super-8 films. After traveling around Europe for several years, he settled in Los Angeles. He began his directing career in 1985 with MALA NOCHE, which was named best independent film by the Los Angeles Times. In 1989, he shot DRUGSTORE COWBOY, followed by MY OWN PRIVATE IDAHO in 1991. Both films were widely acclaimed and won Best Screenplay at the Independent Spirit Awards. Thanks to GOOD WILL HUNTING, studio doors were opened to him in 1997. The film was nominated at the Oscars for Best Film, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay. In 2003, he directed ELEPHANT, which won the Golden Palm at the Cannes Film Festival along with the prize for Best Director. He returned to Cannes in 2005 with LAST DAYS. He is currently filming PARANOID PARK.